Meaning: The quote by David Shipler draws an interesting comparison between watching foreign affairs and watching a magician. The imagery evoked by the analogy provides insight into the often overlooked aspects of international relations and diplomacy. By likening foreign affairs to a magician's performance, Shipler highlights the tendency for attention to be focused on the overt and dramatic elements, while the subtler, yet crucial, components go unnoticed. This comparison invites us to consider the complexities of global politics and the potential for important developments to occur outside the spotlight.

Shipler's analogy underscores the idea that in foreign affairs, much like in a magic show, there are elements that capture our immediate attention and others that operate behind the scenes. Just as the magician's hand performing dramatic flourishes draws the eye, the flashy and sensational aspects of international events often dominate headlines and public discourse. These may include high-profile summits, diplomatic crises, or military conflicts that capture the world's attention. However, Shipler suggests that while these visible actions are important, there are also quieter, less conspicuous efforts at play that are equally, if not more, vital to the overall dynamics of foreign relations.

The "other hand" in Shipler's analogy represents the less visible, yet essential, aspects of foreign affairs. This could encompass the behind-the-scenes negotiations, diplomatic maneuvers, and long-term strategic planning that shape international relations. These elements may not attract the same level of public attention, but they often have a significant impact on the outcomes of global events. In highlighting the "other hand," Shipler prompts us to consider the multifaceted nature of foreign affairs and the intricate interplay of visible and hidden forces at work.

Shipler's comparison also raises questions about the role of perception and media coverage in shaping our understanding of foreign affairs. In the same way that a magician's showmanship can captivate and distract the audience from the mechanics of the trick, the sensationalized aspects of international events can overshadow the underlying complexities and nuances. This can lead to a skewed or incomplete understanding of the forces at play in global politics. By drawing attention to the unnoticed "other hand," Shipler encourages a more critical and holistic approach to analyzing foreign affairs, one that goes beyond the surface spectacle to consider the deeper, less visible currents shaping international relations.

In conclusion, David Shipler's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the dynamics of foreign affairs. Through the analogy of a magician's performance, he illuminates the dichotomy between the overt, attention-grabbing elements and the subtler, yet crucial, components at work in the realm of international relations. By drawing attention to the often unnoticed "other hand," Shipler prompts us to consider the multifaceted nature of global politics and the importance of looking beyond the surface to gain a deeper understanding of foreign affairs. This quote serves as a reminder to approach the study of international relations with a discerning eye, recognizing that the most significant developments may not always be the most visibly dramatic.